Referrals

[Debbi]

Hello!

I have found that my best source of client is through referrals. Word of mouth and postive accounts from satisfied clients has been my strongest market for new clients. That said, it's crutial that your current clients know what you do and all of your skills! If you do their bookkeeping and they have a writing assignment that needs completed, chances are they will go with someone they already trust if they realize you are also a writer!

I'm venturing into traditional advertising this year, and I'll keep you posted!

:work: dc

[Nellers]

I agree with you. Word of mouth and referrals work wonders and so does networking. I’ve never had to do any type of advertising because the forms listed work that good!

[Debbi]

It's amazing how great word of mouth works! But I do believe to venture into larger markets, advertising is necessary. And sometimes, it's not even that expensive. For people just starting, word of mouth is hard to get. Signing up with the local chamber of commerce is always a good place to start; oftentimes, they promote welcome packets, local information brochures, and other such items, as low cost to members.

dc

[Lori]

Debbi,

Are you still involved with your Chamber? How has that translated to you in terms of paying work?

Lori

It's amazing how great word of mouth works! But I do believe to venture into larger markets, advertising is necessary. And sometimes, it's not even that expensive. For people just starting, word of mouth is hard to get. Signing up with the local chamber of commerce is always a good place to start; oftentimes, they promote welcome packets, local information brochures, and other such items, as low cost to members.

dc

[Debbi]

Lori,

Yes, I'm the secretary at this time. So far, I've gotten a logo gig, an ongoing bookkeeping gig and I did the local count fire district web site. Also, I've gotten a nibble on the web site for a physical therapist in the area and a graphic artist may have me built sites for 2 of his collateral material clients :) I'm going to be designing a brochure for the chamber in the fall, as well.

I've gotten a couple other inquiries, too. I think it's made for itself, actually.

I highly recommend it as a networking source.

D

[justinpowell]

Referrals from existing clients also represent a decent percentage of my new business. I try to check in with my clients at the very least once every six months (sometimes much more often) to see how their business is doing and to see if I can assist them in any way. Often times, this leads to the client mentioning that one of his/her colleagues could potentially use my services. If I received a previous referral from the client, I will also be sure to thank them and offer to take a percentage off of the price of the next project I do for them.

If I have a good rapport with the client and know that they have been very satisfied with my services, I may even ask them something like "do you know of anyone who might be interested in my services?" or " do any of your colleagues have a project I might be able to assist them with?" Satisfied clients typically don't mind if you ask, especially if you keep things positive.